Flexible Display and Electronic Device Comprising Same

This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365(c), of an International application No. PCT/KR 2024/011125, filed on Jul. 30, 2024, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0116122, filed on Sep. 1, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property, and of a Korean patent application number 10-2023-0135531, filed on Oct. 12, 2023, in the Ministry of Intellectual Property, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

The disclosure relates to a flexible display and an electronic device including the same.

Recently, there is increasing interest in bendable electronic devices (hereinafter, ‘flexible electronic devices’) including a bendable flexible display or deformable display (hereinafter, ‘flexible display’). The window member used in the flexible display requires flexibility for preventing deformation when folded or bent, as well as impact resistance due to surface hardness or strength.

The above information presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable prior art with regard to the disclosure.

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to prevent or reduce breakage of ultra-thin glass included in a flexible display due to foreign objects entering the interior of an electronic device.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing coupled to be movable or rotatable with respect to the first housing, and a flexible display received in the first housing and the second housing and configured such that at least a portion thereof is deformable, wherein the flexible display includes a deformable display panel and a glass member positioned on the deformable display panel and configured to be deformable, and wherein the glass member includes a plurality of recesses formed inwardly from an outside of the glass member on at least one side surface.

According to various embodiments proposed in the disclosure, the flexible display may prevent or reduce breakage caused by foreign objects by forming a plurality of recesses near the edge of the flexible region of the glass member.

According to various embodiments proposed in the disclosure, the flexible display may prevent or reduce breakage caused by foreign objects by forming the portion near the edge of the flexible region of the glass member thicker than other portions.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a flexible display is provided. The flexible display includes a deformable display panel, and a glass member positioned on the deformable display panel and configured to be deformable, wherein the glass member includes a plurality of recesses formed inwardly from an outside of the glass member on at least one side surface.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components, and structure.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

1 2 2 3 16 17 17 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 23 FIGS.,A,B,to,A,B,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C,,A,B 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 32 33 33 33 Various embodiments of the disclosure are merely exemplified herein with reference to,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A,B,to,A,B, andC, to describe the principle of the disclosure, and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principle of the disclosure may be implemented in any appropriately disposed system or device.

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

1 FIG. is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

1 FIG. 101 100 102 198 104 108 199 101 104 108 101 120 130 150 155 160 170 176 177 178 179 180 188 189 190 196 197 178 101 101 176 180 197 160 Referring to, an electronic devicein a network environmentmay communicate with at least one of an external electronic devicevia a first network(e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or an external electronic deviceor a servervia a second network(e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devicemay communicate with the external electronic devicevia the server. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devicemay include a processor, memory, an input module, a sound output module, a display module, an audio module, a sensor module, an interface, a connecting terminal, a haptic module, a camera module, a power management module, a battery, a communication module, a subscriber identification module (SIM), or an antenna module. In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one (e.g., the connecting terminal) of the components may be omitted from the electronic device, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, some (e.g., the sensor module, the camera module, or the antenna module) of the components may be integrated into a single component (e.g., the display module).

120 140 101 120 120 176 190 132 132 134 120 121 123 121 101 121 123 123 121 123 121 The processormay execute, for example, software (e.g., the program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic devicecoupled with the processor, and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processormay store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor moduleor the communication module) in volatile memory, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory, and store resulting data in non-volatile memory. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the processormay include a main processor(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor(e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor. For example, in case that the electronic deviceincludes the main processorand the auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processormay be configured to use lower power than the main processoror to be specified for a designated function. The auxiliary processormay be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor.

123 160 176 190 101 121 121 121 121 123 180 190 123 123 101 108 The auxiliary processormay control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module, the sensor module, or the communication module) among the components of the electronic device, instead of the main processorwhile the main processoris in an inactive (e.g., a sleep) state, or together with the main processorwhile the main processoris in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor(e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera moduleor the communication module) functionally related to the auxiliary processor. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the auxiliary processor(e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated via machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic devicewhere the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

130 120 176 101 140 130 132 134 134 136 138 The memorymay store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processoror the sensor module) of the electronic device. The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memorymay include the volatile memoryor the non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memorymay include internal memoryand external memory.

140 130 142 144 146 The programmay be stored in the memoryas software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS), middleware, or an application.

150 120 101 101 150 The input modulemay receive a command or data to be used by other component (e.g., the processor) of the electronic device, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device. The input modulemay include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

155 101 155 The sound output modulemay output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device. The sound output modulemay include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker.

160 101 160 160 The display modulemay visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device. The display modulemay include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display modulemay include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

170 170 150 155 102 101 The audio modulemay convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the audio modulemay obtain the sound via the input module, or output the sound via the sound output moduleor a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device.

176 101 176 The sensor modulemay detect an operation state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic deviceor an external environmental state (e.g., the user's state), and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sensor modulemay include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

177 101 102 177 The interfacemay support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic deviceto be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the interfacemay include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

178 101 102 178 A connecting terminalmay include a connector via which the electronic devicemay be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the connecting terminalmay include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

179 179 The haptic modulemay convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or motion) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the haptic modulemay include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

180 180 The camera modulemay capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the camera modulemay include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

188 101 188 The power management modulemay manage power supplied to the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the power management modulemay be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

189 101 189 The batterymay supply power to at least one component of the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the batterymay include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

190 101 102 104 108 190 120 190 192 194 104 198 199 192 101 198 199 196 The communication modulemay support establishing a direct (e.g., wiredly) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic deviceand the external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device, the external electronic device, or the server) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication modulemay include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor(e.g., the application processor (AP)) and support a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication modulemay include a wireless communication module(e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module(e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic devicevia a first network(e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network(e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a fifth-generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication modulemay identify or authenticate the electronic devicein a communication network, such as the first networkor the second network, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module.

192 192 192 192 101 104 199 192 The wireless communication modulemay support a 5G network, after a fourth-generation (4G) network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication modulemay support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication modulemay support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication modulemay support various requirements specified in the electronic device, an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device), or a network system (e.g., the second network). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the wireless communication modulemay support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 1 ms or less) for implementing URLLC.

197 197 197 198 199 190 190 197 The antenna modulemay transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna modulemay include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the antenna modulemay include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first networkor the second network, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication moduleand the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, other parts (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module.

197 According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the antenna modulemay form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

101 104 108 199 102 104 101 101 102 104 108 101 101 101 101 101 104 108 104 108 199 101 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic deviceand the external electronic devicevia the servercoupled with the second network. The external electronic devicesoreach may be a device of the same or a different type from the electronic device. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic devicemay be executed at one or more of the external electronic devicesor, or the server. For example, if the electronic deviceshould perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device. The electronic devicemay provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic devicemay provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic devicemay include an Internet-of-things (IoT) device. The servermay be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the external electronic deviceor the servermay be included in the second network. The electronic devicemay be applied to intelligent services (e.g., a smart home, a smart city, a smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology.

The electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above.

2 FIG.A is a perspective view illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolding state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

2 FIG.B is a perspective view illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folding state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

3 FIG. is an exploded view illustrating a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

2 2 3 FIGS.A,B, and 2 2 3 FIGS.A,B, and Referring to, the electronic device is for illustrative purposes only, and the disclosure is not limited by the drawings. The X-Y-Z coordinate system shown inis for illustrative purposes of describing the layout of the components and does not limit the scope of the claims.

200 101 210 220 210 220 240 210 220 210 220 210 220 210 220 240 210 220 240 1 FIG. 3 FIG. The electronic device(e.g., the electronic deviceof) may include at least one pair of housingsand. The pair of housingsandmay be rotatably coupled to fold with respect to each other, e.g., about a hinge (e.g., the hingeof) while facing each other. For example, the pair of housingsandmay include a first housingand a second housing. The first housingand the second housingmay be disposed on two opposite sides of the folding axis F. One end area of the first housingand one end area of the second housingmay be disposed side by side with the hingeinterposed therebetween. The first housingand the second housingmay have symmetrical shapes with respect to a plane including the folding axis F and extending in the Z1-axis direction. Here, the folding axis F may be an axis in the X1 direction, formed by the hinge.

210 220 210 220 The first housingmay have substantially the same length as the second housing(e.g., length in the Y1-axis direction), but is not limited thereto. The first housingmay have substantially the same width as the second housing(e.g., width in the X1-axis direction), but is not limited thereto.

210 220 210 220 200 240 210 220 200 240 210 220 Hereinafter, ‘unfolding state (or flat state)’ or ‘unfolded state’ may refer to a state in which the angle between the first housingand the second housingis substantially 180 degrees. ‘Folding state’ or a ‘folded state’ may refer to a state in which the angle formed between the first housingand the second housingis substantially 0 degrees. ‘Intermediate state’ may refer to any state between the unfolding state and the folding state. The electronic device, for example, may rotate about the hingesuch that the first housingand the second housingform an angle from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. The electronic devicemay rotate about the hingesuch that the first housingand the second housingform an angle from 180 degrees to 360 degrees, for example.

210 210 210 210 210 230 210 230 210 210 212 210 210 210 212 a b a a a b b b a b The first housingmay include a first surfaceand a second surface. For example, the first surfacemay be provided to face in a first direction (e.g., +Z1-axis direction). The first surfacemay be, e.g., a surface on which at least a portion of the flexible displayis disposed. The first surfacemay refer to, e.g., a virtual surface overlapping at least a portion of the flexible display. For example, the second surfacemay be provided to face in a second direction (e.g., −Z1-axis direction). The second surfacemay be, e.g., a surface on which the first rear coveris disposed. The second surfacemay be parallel to the first surface. The second surfacemay refer to a plane defined by, e.g., the first rear cover.

220 220 220 220 220 230 220 230 220 220 222 220 220 220 222 a b a a a b b b a b The second housingmay include a third surfaceand a fourth surface. For example, the third surfacemay be provided to face in the first direction (e.g., +Z1-axis direction). The third surfacemay be, e.g., a surface on which at least a portion of the flexible displayis disposed. The third surfacemay refer to, e.g., a virtual surface overlapping at least a portion of the flexible display. For example, the fourth surfacemay be provided to face in a second direction (e.g., −Z1-axis direction). The fourth surfacemay be, e.g., a surface on which the second rear coveris disposed. The fourth surfacemay be parallel to the third surface. The fourth surfacemay refer to a plane defined by, e.g., the second rear cover.

200 210 220 210 220 200 210 220 200 210 220 210 220 200 210 220 a a a a a a b b b b b b In case that the electronic deviceis unfolded, the first surfaceand the third surfacemay be positioned within one arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., an X1-Y1 plane). For example, the first surfaceand the third surfacemay form the same plane in case that the electronic deviceis unfolded. For example, the first surfaceand the third surfacemay be disposed to form 180 degrees with respect to the X1-Y1 plane in the unfolded state. In case that the electronic deviceis unfolded, the second surfaceand the fourth surfacemay be positioned within another arbitrary virtual plane (e.g., an X1-Y1 plane). For example, the second surfaceand the fourth surfacemay form the same plane in the unfolded state of the electronic device. For example, the second surfaceand the fourth surfacemay be disposed to form 180 degrees with respect to the X1-Y1 plane in the unfolded state.

200 210 220 200 210 220 200 210 220 210 220 200 210 220 210 220 200 a a a a a a a a b b b b In the folded state of the electronic device, at least a portion of the first surfaceand at least a portion of the third surfacemay face each other. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device, the angle between the first surfaceand the third surfacemay be 0 degrees from the X1-Y1 plane. As the electronic deviceis folded from the unfolded state, the angle between the first surfaceand the third surfacefrom the X1-Y1 plane may gradually decrease. For example, the angle formed between the first surfaceand the third surfacefrom the X1-Y1 plane in the intermediate state may be determined between about 0 degrees and about 180 degrees. In the folded state of the electronic device, the second surfaceand the fourth surfacemay be parallel to each other. For example, the second surfaceand the fourth surfacemay face in opposite directions in the folded state of the electronic device.

210 220 200 The pair of housingsandincluded in the electronic deviceis not limited to the shape and coupling shown but may rather be implemented in other shapes or via a combination and/or coupling of other components.

210 211 211 210 211 210 211 200 The first housingmay include a first side frame. The first side framemay constitute a side surface of the first housing. The first side framemay form part of the exterior of the first housing. The first side framemay be provided to protect components received inside the electronic devicefrom the outside.

211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 a b c a b a b c b c a c The first side framemay include a first side member, a second side member, and/or a third side member. The first side membermay have a first length along a first length direction (e.g., Y1-axis direction). The second side membermay extend from the first side memberin a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the X1-axis direction). The second side membermay extend to have a second length equal to or different from the first length. The third side membermay extend from the second side memberin a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the Y1-axis direction). The third side membermay extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first side member. The third side membermay have a first length along the first length direction (e.g., Y1-axis direction).

211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 211 a b c a b c a b c a b c The first side member, the second side member, and the third side membermay be disposed to be visible from the outside. At least a portion of the first side member, the second side member, and/or the third side membermay be formed as a curved surface. The first side framemay be formed in a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape by the first side member, the second side member, and the third side member. The first side member, the second side member, and the third side membermay be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

220 221 221 220 221 220 221 200 The second housingmay include a second side frame. The second side framemay constitute a side surface of the second housing. The second side framemay form part of the exterior of the second housing. The second side framemay be provided to protect components received inside the electronic devicefrom the outside.

221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 a b c a b a b c b c a c The second side framemay include a fourth side member, a fifth side member, and/or a sixth side member. The fourth side membermay have a third length along a first length direction (e.g., Y1-axis direction). The fifth side membermay extend from the fourth side memberin a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the X1-axis direction). The fifth side membermay extend to have a fourth length equal to or different from the third length. The sixth side membermay extend from the fifth side memberin a substantially vertical direction (e.g., the Y1-axis direction). The sixth side membermay extend in a direction substantially parallel to the fourth side member. The sixth side membermay have a third length along the first length direction (e.g., Y1-axis direction).

221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 221 a b c a b c a b c a b c The fourth side member, the fifth side member, and the sixth side membermay be disposed to be visible from the outside. At least a portion of the fourth side member, the fifth side member, and/or the sixth side membermay be formed as a curved surface. The second side framemay be formed in a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape by the fourth side member, the fifth side member, and the sixth side member. The first length may be substantially equal to the third length. The second length may be substantially equal to the fourth length. The fourth side member, the fifth side member, and the sixth side membermay be integrally formed, but are not limited thereto.

200 211 221 200 211 221 200 211 221 a a b b c c In the unfolded state of the electronic device, the first side memberand the fourth side membermay be positioned substantially in a straight line. In the unfolded state of the electronic device, the second side memberand the fifth side membermay be parallel to each other. In the unfolded state of the electronic device, the third side memberand the sixth side membermay be positioned substantially in a straight line.

200 211 221 200 211 221 200 211 221 a a b b c c In the folded state of the electronic device, the first side memberand the fourth side membermay overlap each other. In the folded state of the electronic device, the second side memberand the fifth side membermay overlap each other. In the folded state of the electronic device, the third side memberand the sixth side membermay overlap each other.

210 212 212 210 210 212 211 212 211 b The first housingmay include a first rear cover. The first rear covermay form at least a portion of the second surfaceof the first housing. The first rear covermay be combined with the first side frame. The first rear covermay be integrally formed with, e.g., the first side frame.

220 222 222 220 220 222 221 222 221 b The second housingmay include a second rear cover. The second rear covermay form at least a portion of the fourth surfaceof the second housing. The second rear covermay be combined with the second side frame. The second rear covermay be integrally formed with, e.g., the second side frame.

212 222 The first rear coverand/or the second rear covermay be formed of at least one of, or a combination of at least two of, laminated or colored glass, ceramic, Glastic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

200 230 230 210 240 220 230 210 210 240 220 220 230 210 210 220 220 230 240 240 a a a a The electronic devicemay include a flexible display(e.g., a foldable display or display). The flexible displaymay be disposed across the first housing, the hingeand the second housing. The flexible displaymay be disposed from the first surfaceof the first housingacross the hingeup to at least a portion of the third surfaceof the second housing. The flexible displaymay be disposed so that the first surfaceof the first housingand the third surfaceof the second housingoverlap. A portion of the flexible displaycorresponding to the hingemay be bent according to the rotation of the hinge.

230 230 In the unfolding state, the flexible displaymay be disposed to be visible from the outside. In a folding state, the flexible displaymay be disposed to be invisible from the outside.

200 231 231 230 231 200 The electronic devicemay include a protective cover. The protective covermay be positioned to protect an edge portion of the flexible display. The protective covermay form part of the exterior of the electronic device.

200 203 201 202 204 205 208 207 214 210 224 220 200 The electronic devicemay include at least one of an input device (e.g., the microphone), a sound output device (e.g., the receiverfor phone calls or speaker), sensor modules, a camera module (the first camera moduleor second camera module), a connector port, a key input device (not shown), or an indicator (not shown), disposed in the first inner spaceof the first housingor the second inner spaceof the second housing. The electronic devicemay be configured to omit at least one of the above-described components or add other components.

201 202 201 202 210 220 207 210 220 The input device may include a plurality of microphones disposed to detect the direction of sound. The sound output device may include, e.g., the receiverfor phone calls and the speaker. The sound output devicesandmay be disposed to face the outside through at least one speaker hole formed in the first housingor the second housing. The connector portmay be disposed to face the outside through a connector port hole formed in the first housingor the second housing.

204 200 204 The sensor modulemay produce an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the internal operation state or external environment state of the electronic device. The sensor modulemay include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint recognition sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, or a humidity sensor.

205 200 208 200 205 208 205 230 230 209 208 209 The camera module may include a first camera moduledisposed on the front (e.g., surface in the +Z1-axis direction) of the electronic deviceor a second camera moduledisposed on the rear surface (e.g., surface in the −Z1-axis direction) of the electronic device. The first camera moduleand/or the second camera modulemay include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. For example, the first camera modulemay be disposed under the flexible displayand be configured to capture a subject through a portion of the active area of the flexible display. The flashmay be disposed on the second camera module. The flashmay include, e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp.

4 FIG. is a perspective view illustrating a stacked structure of a flexible display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

4 FIG. 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.A 400 230 200 Referring to, a flexible displaymay be at least partially similar to a flexible display (e.g., the flexible displayof) provided in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic deviceof) described above.

200 210 220 400 2 FIG.A 2 FIG.A 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic deviceshaving various form factors in which one housing (e.g., the first housingof) moves with respect to another housing (e.g., the second housingof) may include the flexible displayillustrated in.

400 210 220 220 210 400 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay be disposed to traverse at least the first housingand the second housing. Therefore, as the second housingmoves with respect to the first housing, at least a portion of the flexible displaymay be bent.

400 200 400 200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay include a flexible region and a non-flexible region. The flexible region and the non-flexible region may be configured in various shapes and numbers according to the form factor of the electronic deviceon which the flexible displayis mounted. The flexible region may refer to a region bent according to the electronic device. The non-flexible region may refer to a region other than the flexible region, a region that is not bent or maintains a flat surface.

4 FIG. 400 410 420 430 400 410 420 430 1 2 Referring to, the flexible displaymay include a protective member(e.g., a protective film), a glass member, and a display panel. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay be configured such that the protective member, the glass member, and the display panelare sequentially stacked from above. Each component may be adhered by adhesive members P, P, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

1 2 1 2 1 2 1 410 420 2 420 430 The adhesive members P, Pmay include at least one of an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film, an optically clear resin (OCR), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) film, a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape. The adhesive members P, Pinclude a light-curing adhesive material or a thermosetting adhesive material, and the material thereof is not particularly limited. The adhesive members P, Pmay include, e.g., at least one of a first adhesive member Pprovided to adhere the protective memberand the glass member, and a second adhesive member Pprovided to adhere the glass memberand the display panel.

1 420 2 420 1 420 2 420 420 The first adhesive member Pmay be disposed to be attached to at least a portion of the upper surface of the glass member. The second adhesive member Pmay be disposed to be attached to at least a portion of the lower surface of the glass member. However, without limitation thereto, as is described below, the first adhesive member Pmay be attached to a portion of the upper surface of the glass member, and the second adhesive member Pmay be attached to the remaining portion of the upper surface of the glass member. Adhesive members having different physical properties may be provided around the glass memberin various ways and structures.

4 FIG. 400 430 The configuration illustrated inis for convenience of description, and the flexible displaymay further include additional configurations. For example, although not illustrated, various types of layers, such as a touch sensing layer may be provided above the display panel. The touch sensing layer may be configured to obtain coordinate information of an external input. The touch sensing layer may be, e.g., a capacitive touch sensing member. However, this is not limited thereto, and may be redisposed with other types of touch sensing layers including two types of touch electrodes, such as an electromagnetic induction method.

430 420 430 420 450 430 430 430 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the display panelmay be disposed under the glass member. The display panelmay be disposed, e.g., below the glass memberwith a polarizing layerinterposed therebetween. The display panelmay be an organic light emitting display panel, an electrophoretic display panel, an electrowetting display panel, or a quantum dot display panel, but the type is not limited. A light emitting layer of the organic light emitting display panel may include an organic light emitting material. A light emitting layer of the quantum dot display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods. The display panelmay be formed such that at least a portion thereof is bendable. For example, the display panelmay be formed such that at least a portion thereof is deformable.

400 450 450 430 450 420 430 450 400 450 430 450 430 450 430 450 430 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay include a polarizing layer. The polarizing layermay be disposed on the display panel. For example, the polarizing layermay be disposed between the glass memberand the display panel. The polarizing layermay reduce the external light reflectance of the flexible displayby absorbing or destructively interfering light incident from outside. For example, the polarizing layermay be integrally formed with the display panelby a continuous process. For example, the polarizing layermay be a component of the display panel. In case that the polarizing layerand the display panelare integrally formed, an adhesive member therebetween may be omitted. In case that the polarizing layeris separately manufactured and attached to the display panel, it may be attached by an adhesive member.

420 430 420 430 450 420 430 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay be disposed above the display panel. The glass membermay be attached to directly contact the display panelby an adhesive member. However, without limitation thereto, various types of layers, such as the polarizing layeror a touch sensing layer (not illustrated) may be provided between the glass memberand the display panel.

420 400 400 420 830 1040 420 400 b b b 8 FIG. 10 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay have various shapes to enhance rigidity of the edge portion in the flexible region. The edge portion corresponding to the flexible regionamong the edge portions of the glass membermay be formed with a plurality of recesses (e.g., the plurality of recessesofor the plurality of recessesof), or may be formed to have a thicker thickness compared to other portions. The glass membermay have various structures in the edge portion to prevent or reduce breakage in the flexible region, and a detailed description is provided later.

410 400 410 420 420 410 420 420 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the protective member(e.g., a protective film) may be disposed on the uppermost layer of the flexible display. The protective membermay be disposed above the glass memberto protect the glass memberfrom external impact. The protective membermay protect the glass memberfrom external impact and help prevent or reduce scattering of glass fragments in case that the glass memberbreaks.

410 420 1 410 420 1 410 420 The protective memberand the glass membermay be adhered by the first adhesive member P. As the protective memberand the glass memberare adhered to each other, the first adhesive member Pmay be disposed between the protective memberand the glass member.

410 420 410 410 420 1 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the protective membermay be attached to the glass memberin a separable manner. In case that the protective memberis damaged by external impact, a new protective membermay be attached onto the glass member. Therefore, the adhesive force of the first adhesive member Pmay be weaker than the adhesive force of the second adhesive member P.

410 420 460 410 420 410 400 410 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the protective membermay include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI), but is not limited thereto and may include materials used for the glass memberor a polymer memberto be described below. For example, the thickness of the protective membermay be substantially the same as or relatively thinner than the thickness of the glass member. As an example, the protective membermay be omitted from the configuration of the flexible display. In case that the protective memberis omitted, the first adhesive member Pmay also be omitted.

400 460 430 460 460 400 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay include a polymer memberdisposed below the display panel. The polymer membermay, e.g., have a dark color applied to help display the background in case that the display is off. The polymer membermay, e.g., act as a cushioning member to absorb impact from outside of the electronic device to prevent or reduce breakage of the flexible display.

460 The polymer membermay include a plastic film as a base layer. The polymer member may include a plastic film including any one selected from the group consisting of polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyarylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), or combinations thereof.

430 Although not illustrated, a metal sheet layer may be disposed under the display panel. The metal sheet layer may help reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device. The metal sheet layer may be used, e.g., to shield ambient noise and disperse heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components. The metal sheet layer may include at least one of stainless steel (STS), Cu, Al, or other alloy materials.

400 440 440 400 440 410 440 410 440 410 440 410 440 410 440 420 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay further include a printing layer. The printing layermay be disposed in a partial area of the flexible display. For example, the printing layermay be disposed near the edge of the protective member. For example, the printing layermay be disposed along the edge of the protective member. As an example, the printing layermay extend along the edge of the protective memberto have a substantially rectangular shape. For example, the printing layermay be disposed along the rim of the protective member. The printing layermay be disposed on the upper surface or lower surface of the protective member. However, without limitation thereto, the printing layermay also be disposed on the upper surface or lower surface of the glass member.

440 420 440 420 However, without limitation thereto, the printing layermay also be disposed along the edge of the glass member, unlike what is illustrated. For example, the printing layermay also be disposed on the upper surface or lower surface of the glass member.

440 400 200 440 410 440 440 2 FIG.A According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the printing layermay be a border (e.g., black matrix (BM) printing layer) of the display area visible from outside in a state in which the flexible displayis disposed in an electronic device (e.g., the electronic deviceof). The printing layermay be formed along the periphery portion of the protective member, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the printed layermay form a bezel pattern. The printed layermay include, e.g., a light-blocking material through which light does not transmit.

440 The printed layermay have a width of, e.g., 2.5 mm or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

5 FIG. is a cross-sectional view taken along the periphery portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. Referring to, the structure is schematic for describing a foreign objects intrusion structure, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. The structure illustrated inis schematically illustrated for convenience of description, and the shape ofdoes not limit the scope of rights of the disclosure.

5 FIG. 200 400 510 210 220 Referring to, an electronic devicemay include a flexible display, a protective cap, and a housingor.

510 400 210 220 400 210 220 510 400 510 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the protective capmay be disposed between the flexible displayand the housingorto prevent or reduce foreign objects from entering between the flexible displayand the housingor. The protective capmay be disposed to contact the edge portion of the flexible display. The protective capmay be, e.g., formed of rubber material, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

400 420 410 430 A step may be formed on the side of the flexible displaydue to size differences of each component. As an example, the side of the glass membermay be positioned inward between the protective memberand the display panel, forming a concave space.

400 510 200 200 510 400 Foreign objects may enter between the flexible displayand the protective capwhile using the electronic device. In particular, in a bent state of the electronic device, a minute gap is formed between the protective capand the flexible display, and foreign objects may enter through such a gap.

400 510 420 Foreign objects entering between the flexible displayand the protective capmay break the glass member.

1 420 1 410 510 1 510 420 200 400 510 410 420 420 430 2 FIG.A As an example, in case that foreign objects are located at the first position Das illustrated, the glass membermay be broken. Here, the first position Dmay refer to a space between the protective memberand the protective cap. In case that foreign objects are located at the first position D, if a force pressing the protective capfrom above is applied, the glass membermay be broken by stress applied to the foreign objects. For example, foreign objects positioned at the first position by folding and/or unfolding operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic deviceof) may receive a pressing load in the direction toward the flexible displayby being pressed by the protective cap. This may cause breakage starting from the protective memberin contact with the foreign objects, and furthermore, high stress may be transmitted to the glass member, breaking the glass memberand the display panel.

2 420 2 420 400 210 220 2 420 420 200 420 2 FIG.A As an example, in case that foreign objects are located at the second position Das illustrated, the glass membermay be broken. The second position Dmay refer to a position adjacent to the glass memberamong the empty space between the side of the flexible displayand the housingor. Foreign objects located at the second position Dmay cause small cracks on the side of the glass memberby directly contacting the side of the glass member. Such small cracks may grow due to stress formed according to folding operations of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic deviceof) or external impact, ultimately breaking the glass member.

420 420 420 The disclosure proposes structures of the glass memberaccording to various embodiments of the disclosure, thereby reducing breakage of the glass member. A detailed description of the glass memberaccording to various embodiments is provided later.

6 FIG. is a view illustrating a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

7 FIG. 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

6 7 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 6 7 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 6 7 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 600 400 600 420 600 420 400 Referring to, a glass membermay be included in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof). The glass memberillustrated inmay be substantially the same or similar configuration as the glass member illustrated in(e.g., the glass memberof). Alternatively, the glass memberillustrated inmay replace the glass member (e.g., the glass memberof) in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof).

7 FIG. 600 In, the thickness of the glass membermay be illustrated somewhat exaggerated for convenience of description.

6 7 FIGS.and 1 2 2 3 4 FIGS.,A,B,, and 6 7 FIGS.and 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 FIGS.,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A 21 21 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,B,C,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A,B,,,,,A,B, andC.

6 7 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 600 600 600 600 600 600 400 600 600 400 a b a a b b Referring to, the glass membermay be configured such that at least a portion thereof is deformable. For example, the glass membermay include a non-flexible regionand a flexible region. Here, the non-flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the non-flexible region of(e.g., the non-flexible regionof). Here, the flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the flexible region of(e.g., the flexible regionof).

600 601 602 601 603 602 601 604 603 602 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first side surface, a second side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the first side surface, a third side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the second side surfaceand parallel to the first side surface, and a fourth side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the third side surfaceand parallel to the second side surface.

600 610 620 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first glass portionand a second glass portion.

610 600 610 600 610 600 600 600 610 600 600 610 602 604 600 b b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay include a portion adjacent from the edge of the glass member. The first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass memberincluded in the flexible regionwithin the flexible region. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from the edge portion corresponding to the flexible regionamong the edges of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from a portion of the side surface (e.g., the second side surfaceor the fourth side surface) of the glass member. Here, the predetermined interval may be 1 mm or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

600 400 610 440 610 440 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in case that the glass memberis included in the flexible displayof, the first glass portionmay be positioned where it overlaps a portion of the printing layer (e.g., the printing layerof). The first glass portionmay be positioned to be visually hidden by the printing layer.

610 610 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a vertically symmetrical structure. However, it is not limited thereto and may have a shape protruding further to at least one of the upper or lower sides. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a shape protruding to at least one of the upper or lower sides. For example, one of the upper or lower sides may have a non-protruding shape.

620 610 620 600 610 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second glass portionmay be a portion different from the first glass portion. The second glass portionmay include at least a portion of the glass memberother than the first glass portion.

610 620 610 600 610 620 610 620 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be formed relatively thicker than the thickness of the second glass portion. For example, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be thicker than the average thickness of the glass member. The rigidity of the first glass portionmay be relatively stronger than the rigidity of the second glass portion. The thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be formed by an etching process using chemicals, but the manufacturing method is not limited thereto.

610 510 410 610 620 1 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay be positioned where it overlaps at least a portion of the area where the protective cap (e.g., the protective capof) and the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) illustrated incontact. By forming the first glass portionrelatively thicker than the second glass portion, even in case that foreign objects get stuck in the first position of(e.g., the first position Dof), breakage caused by foreign objects may be efficiently prevented or decreased.

600 630 630 610 620 630 610 620 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a third glass portion. The third glass portionmay be positioned between the first glass portionand the second glass portion. The third glass portionmay be a portion connecting the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

630 620 610 630 610 620 630 610 620 The third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined upward from the second glass portiontoward the first glass portion. The third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined downward from the first glass portiontoward the second glass portion. However, without limitation thereto, unlike what is illustrated, the third glass portionmay form a step according to the thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

8 FIG. is a view illustrating a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

9 FIG. 8 FIG. is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

8 9 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 8 9 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 8 9 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 800 400 800 420 800 420 400 Referring to, a glass membermay be included in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof). The glass memberillustrated inmay be substantially the same or similar configuration as the glass member illustrated in(e.g., the glass memberof). Alternatively, the glass memberillustrated inmay replace the glass member (e.g., the glass memberof) in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof).

9 FIG. 800 In, the thickness of the glass membermay be illustrated somewhat exaggerated for convenience of description.

8 9 FIGS.and 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 FIGS.,A,B,,,,, and 8 9 FIGS.and 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 FIGS.,,,A,B,,,,A,B,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A,B,,,,,A,B, andC.

8 9 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 800 800 800 800 800 800 400 800 800 400 a b a a b b Referring to, the glass membermay be configured such that at least a portion thereof is deformable. For example, the glass membermay include a non-flexible regionand a flexible region. Here, the non-flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the non-flexible region of(e.g., the non-flexible regionof). Here, the flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the flexible region of(e.g., the flexible regionof).

800 801 802 801 803 802 801 804 803 802 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first side surface, a second side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the first side surface, a third side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the second side surfaceand parallel to the first side surface, and a fourth side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the third side surfaceand parallel to the second side surface.

800 810 820 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first glass portionand a second glass portion.

810 800 810 800 810 800 800 800 810 800 800 810 802 804 800 b b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay include a portion adjacent from the edge of the glass member. The first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass memberincluded in the flexible regionin the flexible region. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from the edge portion corresponding to the flexible regionamong the edges of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from a portion of the side surface (e.g., the second side surfaceor the fourth side surface) of the glass member. Here, the predetermined interval may be 1 mm or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

800 400 810 440 810 440 4 FIG. 4 FIG. In case that the glass memberis included in the flexible displayof, the first glass portionmay be positioned where it overlaps a portion of the printing layer (e.g., the printing layerof). The first glass portionmay be positioned to be visually hidden by the printing layer.

820 810 820 800 810 The second glass portionmay be a portion different from the first glass portion. The second glass portionmay include at least a portion of the glass memberother than the first glass portion.

800 830 830 800 830 800 800 830 800 800 830 800 830 800 830 810 830 b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface of the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed inwardly from the outside (or from the edge) of the glass memberon at least one side surface of the glass member. The plurality of recessesmay be formed near the edge corresponding to the flexible regionof the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface corresponding to the flexible region. The plurality of recessesmay be formed to penetrate vertically through the glass member, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The plurality of recessesmay be disposed adjacent to the first glass portion. The plurality of recessesmay be formed by a physical processing method, laser processing method, or chemical etching method, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

830 810 810 830 810 830 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be formed around the first glass portion. For example, the first glass portionmay have a comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first glass portionmay be disposed between two adjacent recesses.

830 830 800 800 802 2 830 1 830 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the glass member. Here, the length direction of the glass membermay refer to the length direction of the second side surface. Here, the predetermined interval may be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the depth Lof the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the width Lof the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

830 830 1 830 2 830 1 830 2 830 1 830 2 810 830 1 830 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay include a first recess-and a second recess-. The first recess-and the second recess-may be disposed adjacent to each other. The first recess-and the second recess-may be disposed to be spaced apart with the first glass portiontherebetween. The first recess-and the second recess-may be substantially the same in size or shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

830 430 830 810 400 410 430 810 430 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. Since each of the plurality of recessesis formed with a small size within 1 millimeter, direct impact to the display panel (e.g., the display panelof) by the plurality of recessesmay be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that force is applied to the first glass portionside in the flexible display (e.g., the flexible displayof), force is not directly applied from the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) to the display panel (e.g., the display panelof), and the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape may protect the display panel.

3 830 800 830 800 b b 3 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the spacing Lbetween the plurality of recessesmay vary even within the flexible region. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the spacing between the plurality of recessesmay become smaller as it approaches the center of the flexible region(e.g., the folding axis F of).

810 800 830 800 2 810 800 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the first glass portionof the glass memberhas an about comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, breakage of the glass memberdue to foreign objects intrusion may be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that foreign objects enter the second position of(e.g., the second position Dof), by reducing the side surface area of the first glass portion, the probability of foreign objects contacting the side surface of the glass membermay be decreased.

810 800 810 800 800 800 810 810 810 830 830 b Even in case that foreign objects contact the first glass portionof the glass memberand cracks occur on the side surface of the first glass portion, the structural features of the about comb shape may prevent or reduce the expansion of cracks to the entire area of the glass member. Even in case that the flexible regionof the glass memberis bent, stress applied to the first glass portionmay be relatively decreased by the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape. In other words, since the stress applied during bending to the first glass portionformed with the plurality of recessesis relatively smaller compared to glass without the plurality of recessesformed, crack expansion may be prevented or decreased.

10 FIG. is a view illustrating a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

11 FIG. 10 FIG. is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C ofaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

10 11 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 10 11 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 10 11 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 1000 400 1000 420 1000 420 400 Referring to, a glass membermay be included in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof). The glass memberillustrated inmay be substantially the same or similar configuration as the glass member illustrated in(e.g., the glass memberof). Alternatively, the glass memberillustrated inmay replace the glass member (e.g., the glass memberof) in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof).

11 FIG. 1000 In, the thickness of the glass membermay be illustrated somewhat exaggerated for convenience of description.

10 11 FIGS.and 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,, and 10 11 FIGS.and 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 FIGS.,A,B,,,,A,B,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C,,A 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A,B,,,,,A,B, andC.

10 11 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 400 1000 1000 400 a b a a b b Referring to, the glass membermay be configured such that at least a portion thereof is deformable. For example, the glass membermay include a non-flexible regionand a flexible region. Here, the non-flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the non-flexible region of(e.g., the non-flexible regionof). Here, the flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the flexible region of(e.g., the flexible regionof).

1000 1001 1002 1001 1003 1002 1001 1004 1003 1002 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first side surface, a second side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the first side surface, a third side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the second side surfaceand parallel to the first side surface, and a fourth side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the third side surfaceand parallel to the second side surface.

1000 1010 1020 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first glass portionand a second glass portion.

1010 1000 1010 1000 1010 1000 1000 1000 1010 1000 1000 1010 1002 1004 1000 b b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay include a portion adjacent from the edge of the glass member. The first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass memberincluded in the flexible regionin the flexible region. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from the edge portion corresponding to the flexible regionamong the edges of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from a portion of the side surface (e.g., the second side surfaceor the fourth side surface) of the glass member. Here, the predetermined interval may be 1 mm or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

1000 400 1010 440 1010 440 4 FIG. 4 FIG. In case that the glass memberis included in the flexible displayof, the first glass portionmay be positioned where it overlaps a portion of the printing layer (e.g., the printing layerof). The first glass portionmay be positioned to be visually hidden by the printing layer.

1010 1010 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a vertically symmetrical structure. However, it is not limited thereto and may have a shape protruding further to at least one of the upper or lower sides. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a shape protruding to at least one of the upper or lower sides. For example, one of the upper or lower sides may have a non-protruding shape.

1020 1010 1020 1000 1010 The second glass portionmay be a portion different from the first glass portion. The second glass portionmay include at least a portion of the glass memberother than the first glass portion.

1010 1020 1010 1000 1010 1020 1010 1020 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be formed relatively thicker than the thickness of the second glass portion. For example, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be thicker than the average thickness of the glass member. The rigidity of the first glass portionmay be relatively stronger than the rigidity of the second glass portion. The thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be formed by an etching process using chemicals, but the manufacturing method is not limited thereto.

1010 510 410 1010 1020 1 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay be positioned where it overlaps at least a portion of the area where the protective cap (e.g., the protective capof) and the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) illustrated incontact. By forming the first glass portionrelatively thicker than the second glass portion, even in case that foreign objects gets stuck in the first position of(e.g., the first position Dof), breakage caused by foreign objects may be efficiently prevented or decreased.

1000 1040 1040 1000 1040 1000 1000 1040 1000 1000 1040 1000 1040 1010 1040 b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface of the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed inwardly from the outside (or from the edge) of the glass memberon at least one side surface of the glass member. The plurality of recessesmay be formed near the edge corresponding to the flexible regionof the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface corresponding to the flexible region. The plurality of recessesmay be disposed adjacent to the first glass portion. The plurality of recessesmay be formed by a physical processing method, laser processing method, or chemical etching method, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

1040 1010 1010 1040 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be formed around the first glass portion. For example, the first glass portionmay have a comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

1040 1040 1000 1000 1002 2 1040 1 1040 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the glass member. Here, the length direction of the glass membermay refer to the length direction of the second side surface. Here, the predetermined interval may be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the depth Lof the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the width Lof the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

1040 1040 1 1040 2 1040 1 1040 2 1040 1 1040 2 1010 1040 1 1040 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay include a first recess-and a second recess-. The first recess-and the second recess-may be disposed adjacent to each other. The first recess-and the second recess-may be disposed to be spaced apart with the first glass portiontherebetween. The first recess-and the second recess-may be substantially the same in size or shape, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

1040 430 1040 1010 400 410 430 1010 430 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. Since each of the plurality of recessesis formed with a small size within 1 millimeter, direct impact to the display panelby the plurality of recessesmay be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that force is applied to the first glass portionside in the flexible display (e.g., the flexible displayof), force is not directly applied from the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) to the display panel (e.g., the display panelof), and the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape may protect the display panel.

3 1040 1000 1040 1000 b b 3 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the spacing Lbetween the plurality of recessesmay vary even within the flexible region. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the spacing between the plurality of recessesmay become smaller as it approaches the center of the flexible region(e.g., the folding axis F of).

1010 1000 1040 1000 2 1010 1000 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the first glass portionof the glass memberhas an about comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, breakage of the glass memberdue to foreign objects intrusion may be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that foreign objects enter the second position of(e.g., the second position Dof), by reducing the side surface area of the first glass portion, the probability of foreign objects contacting the side surface of the glass membermay be decreased.

1010 1000 1010 1000 1000 1000 1010 1010 1010 1040 1040 b Even in case that foreign objects contact the first glass portionof the glass memberand cracks occur on the side surface of the first glass portion, the structural features of the about comb shape may prevent the expansion of cracks to the entire area of the glass member. Even in case that the flexible regionof the glass memberis bent, stress applied to the first glass portionmay be relatively decreased by the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape. In other words, since the stress applied during bending to the first glass portionformed with the plurality of recessesis relatively smaller compared to glass without the plurality of recessesformed, crack expansion may be prevented or decreased.

1000 1030 1030 1010 1020 1030 1010 1020 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a third glass portion. The third glass portionmay be positioned between the first glass portionand the second glass portion. The third glass portionmay be a portion connecting the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

1030 1020 1010 1030 1010 1020 1030 1010 1020 The third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined from the second glass portiontoward the first glass portion. The third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined downward from the first glass portiontoward the second glass portion. However, without limitation thereto, unlike what is illustrated, the third glass portionmay form a step according to the thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

12 FIG. is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flexible display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

12 FIG. 10 11 FIGS.and 4 FIG. 1200 1000 1000 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible displayincluding the glass memberillustrated in. Hereinafter, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same as the configurations described with reference toamong the configurations around the glass member.

12 FIG. 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,, and 12 FIG. 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 23 FIGS.A,B,,,,A,B,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C,,A,B 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 The embodiment ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiment of. The embodiment ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A,B,,,,,A,B, andC.

12 FIG. 410 1000 1000 410 1 1 1010 1 1020 Referring to, a protective membermay be attached or bonded to the upper surface of the glass member. The glass membermay be attached or bonded to the protective memberby the first adhesive member P. The thickness of the portion of the first adhesive member Pin contact with the first glass portionmay be thinner than the thickness of the portion of the first adhesive member Pin contact with the second glass portion.

430 450 1000 1000 430 2 2 1010 2 1020 4 FIG. A display panelor a polarizing layer (e.g., the polarizing layerof) may be attached or bonded to the lower surface of the glass member. The glass membermay be attached or bonded to the display panelby the second adhesive member P. The thickness of the portion of the second adhesive member Pin contact with the first glass portionmay be thinner than the thickness of the portion of the second adhesive member Pin contact with the second glass portion.

13 13 FIGS.A andB illustrate a magnitude of stress applied during bending of a flexible display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

13 FIG.A 13 FIG.B 13 FIG.B 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 13 FIG.A 13 FIG.B 800 1000 is a view in which a plurality of recesses are not formed on the edge of the glass member.is a view in which a plurality of recesses are formed on the edge of the glass member.may be a view illustrating stress values for bending of the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). The glass member illustrated inand the glass member illustrated inmay be substantially the same in portions other than the formation of the plurality of recesses.

13 13 FIG.A andB Referring to, the shading is illustrated darker as the bending stress becomes stronger during bending.

13 13 FIG.A andB 5 FIG. 2 1000 Comparing, the difference in the magnitude of stress applied to the edge (or corner) during bending of the glass member may be identified. In case that a plurality of recesses are formed, the magnitude of stress applied to the edge portion of the glass member may be decreased. Therefore, as described with reference to, even in case that foreign objects enter the second position Dand causes cracks on the edge of the glass member, the stress applied during bending becomes smaller, preventing or reducing the expansion of cracks.

13 FIG.A 13 FIG.B As an example, in the case of, the maximum stress applied to the edge may be 655.2 MPa. As an example, in the case of, the maximum stress applied to the edge may be 510.2 MPa. By forming a plurality of recesses, it may be identified that the magnitude of the maximum stress applied to the edge during bending of the glass member is decreased by about 22%.

14 FIG. is a graph illustrating strength according to thickness of a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

15 FIG. is a graph illustrating relative repulsive force according to thickness of a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

14 FIG. Referring to, it may be identified that as the thickness of the glass member increases, the strength of the glass member is generally strengthened. Here, PEN drop may refer to the height where breakage occurs in case that a pen is dropped from a predetermined distance above. Here, PEN pressure is a force pressing the glass member using PEN, and the value of PEN pressure may increase as the strength of the glass member is stronger. It may be identified that as the thickness of the glass member increases, the strength of the glass member generally increases.

For example, in case that the glass member has a thickness of 60 micrometers or more, it may be identified that both PEN drop and PEN pressure show strength enhancement of more than 1.9 times and 2.8 times, respectively, compared to a 30 micrometer thickness.

15 FIG. Referring to, repulsive force may increase as the thickness of the glass member increases. For example, in case that the glass member has a thickness of 60 micrometers or more, the repulsive force may increase by about 8 times or more compared to a 30 micrometer thickness. Having high repulsive force may cause deterioration of the folding performance of the glass member.

6 FIG. 10 FIG. 6 FIG. 10 FIG. 610 1010 610 1010 Therefore, as illustrated inor, even in case that the thickness of the first glass portion (the first glass portionofor the first glass portionof) is thickened to increase rigidity, it is necessary to set an appropriate thickness so that the repulsive force does not increase excessively. As an example, the thickness of the first glass portions,may be 30 micrometers to 60 micrometers, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

16 FIG. illustrates a method of forming a plurality of recesses in a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

16 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 830 1040 800 1000 illustrates one of the methods for forming a plurality of recesses (e.g., the plurality of recessesofor the plurality of recessesof) formed in the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof).

16 FIG. 830 1040 1610 1600 1600 Referring to, a plurality of recesses,may be formed by a method of stacking a plurality of glass membersand etching the edges of the stacked plurality of glass members. Positions where recesses are to be formed in the stacked plurality of glass membersmay be physically etched using an etching tool C. The etching tool C may be, e.g., a computer numerical control (CNC) tool. The etching tool C may include, e.g., a diamond tip or a micro grinding wheel.

17 17 FIGS.A andB illustrates a method of forming a plurality of recesses in a glass member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

17 17 FIGS.A andB 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 830 1040 800 1000 illustrate methods for forming a plurality of recesses (e.g., the plurality of recessesofor the plurality of recessesof) formed in the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof).

17 17 FIGS.A andB 17 FIG.A 830 1040 1720 1710 1720 Referring to, a plurality of recesses,may be formed by chemical etching. First, as illustrated in, a process of phase-changing the portionto be etched in the glass membermay be performed. For example, the portionto be etched may be phase-changed using a Bessel beam, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

1720 1710 1730 17 FIG.B After phase-changing the portionto be etched, by exposing the glass memberto an etching solution, a plurality of recessesmay be formed as illustrated in. Various types of acidic or basic solutions may be used as the etching solution. For example, the etching solution may include ammonium fluoride, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, silicon fluoride, sodium oxide, or hydrofluoric acid.

18 FIG. is a flowchart illustrating a flexible display manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

18 FIG. 10 FIG. 18 FIG. 18 FIG. 1000 The manufacturing method ofis described using a flexible display including the glass memberillustrated inas an example, but the manufacturing method ofmay also be applied or adapted in case that manufacturing flexible displays including glass members according to other various embodiments. The manufacturing method ofdescribes some processes in the manufacturing process of the flexible display.

18 FIG. 16 17 17 FIGS.,A, andB 1810 1040 1040 Referring to, the method for manufacturing the flexible display may include a processof forming a plurality of recesses in a partial area of the edge of the base glass. The plurality of recessesmay be formed by physical etching or chemical etching. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed by the physical etching or chemical etching methods described with reference to.

1820 1010 1030 1000 1000 1030 1020 1820 1010 1020 1030 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method for manufacturing the flexible display may include a processof masking specific areas and performing chemical etching. Here, the specific area may be the first glass portionor the third glass portionof the glass member. By chemically etching the unmasked area, a difference in thickness of the glass membermay be formed. For example, the third glass portionmay be appropriately masked so that only a portion is etched. The second glass portionis not masked and may be etched to be thinner overall. Through process, thickness differentials between the first glass portion, the second glass portion, and the third glass portionmay be formed.

1830 1000 1 2 1000 1010 1040 4 FIG. 23 FIG.A According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method for manufacturing the flexible display may include a processof applying an adhesive member to the glass member. Here, the adhesive member may refer to the first adhesive member Pand the second adhesive member Pas illustrated in. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. Since the glass memberhas the first glass portionwith relatively thicker thickness and the plurality of recessesformed, it is necessary to apply the adhesive member differently from existing methods. This is described inand below.

1840 1000 430 410 430 1000 410 1000 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method for manufacturing the flexible display may include a processof combining or adhering the glass memberwith the display panel (e.g., the display panelof) and the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof). The display panelmay be combined or adhered to the lower surface of the glass member. The protective membermay be combined or adhered to the upper surface of the glass member.

19 19 19 19 FIGS.A,B,C, andD are cross-sectional views illustrating shapes of the first glass portion of a glass member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

19 19 19 19 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 1900 1900 1 1900 2 1900 3 are views illustrating various side shapes of the first glass portions,-,-,-of the glass members,-,-,-.

19 19 19 19 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 19 19 FIGS.A toD 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 19 19 19 19 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 1900 1900 1 1900 2 1900 3 600 1000 600 1000 1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 610 1010 Referring to, a portion of the glass members,-,-,-may be included in the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). Various shapes illustrated inmay be applied to the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). The first glass portions,-,-,-having various shapes illustrated inmay replace the first glass portion of(e.g., the first glass portionof) or the first glass portion of(e.g., the first glass portionof). Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of the first glass portion is omitted.

19 19 19 19 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B, and 19 19 19 19 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 FIGS.A,B,C,A,B,C,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,B,,,,,A,B, andC.

19 19 19 19 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 1900 1900 1 1900 2 1900 3 1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 1920 1920 1 1920 2 1920 3 1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 1920 1920 1 1920 2 1920 3 1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 1920 1920 1 1920 2 1920 3 1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 Referring to, the glass members,-,-,-may include first glass portions,-,-,-and second glass portions,-,-,-. The first glass portions,-,-,-may be relatively thicker than the second glass portions,-,-,-. Here, the thickness may compare the average thickness of the first glass portions,-,-,-with the average thickness of the second glass portions,-,-,-. The first glass portions,-,-,-may have a vertically symmetrical structure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

19 FIG.A 1910 1920 1910 1920 1910 1920 1910 1920 1900 Referring to, the connection between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be connected by a curved surface. The connection portion between the first glass portionand the second glass portionformed by the thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be a portion vulnerable to external pressure (or a portion prone to breakage). If a step is formed between the first glass portionand the second glass portion, the glass memberbecomes vulnerable to breakage, so rigidity may be supplemented by forming a curved surface as illustrated.

19 FIG.B 19 FIG.B 1910 1 1900 1 1910 1 1920 1 1920 1 1910 1 1920 1 Referring to, the first glass portion-of the glass member-may form an inclined surface. In case that the first glass portion-extends from the second glass portion-, it may be formed to be inclined upward as it moves away from the second glass portion-. The structure illustrated inis a structure that reduces the step between the first glass portion-and the second glass portion-, and may avoid forming a step that becomes vulnerable to breakage due to thickness difference.

19 FIG.C 5 FIG. 1910 2 1900 2 1911 1911 1910 2 1911 1910 2 1911 1910 2 1911 1910 2 1911 1910 2 1910 2 1910 2 2 1910 2 Referring to, the first glass portion-of the glass member-may include a chamfered portion. The chamfered portionmay be formed on the outside of the first glass portion-. The chamfered portionmay be formed at the free end of the first glass portion-. The chamfered portionmay be a chamfered portion at the corner portion of the first glass portion-. The chamfered portionmay be formed to be inclined upward or downward at the corner portion of the first glass portion-. By forming the chamfered portionon the first glass portion-, the surface area of the outer surface of the first glass portion-may be decreased. In case that the surface area of the outer surface of the first glass portion-is decreased, even in case that foreign objects enter the second position (e.g., the second position Dof), the probability of foreign objects contacting the outer surface of the first glass portion-to cause cracks may be decreased.

19 FIG.D 1910 3 1900 3 1912 1912 1910 3 1912 1912 1912 1910 3 Referring to, the first glass portion-of the glass member-may include a groove portion. The groove portionmay be formed on at least one of the upper surface or lower surface of the first glass portion-. The groove portionmay have an about semicircular cross section or hemispherical shape. However, the shape of the groove portionis not limited thereto. The groove portionmay distribute applied pressure in case that pressure is applied to the first glass portion-.

1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 1910 1910 1 1910 2 1910 3 1920 1920 1 1920 2 1920 3 19 19 FIGS.A toD The shape of the first glass portions,-,-,-is not limited to thereto. For example, the first glass portion may be formed by combining at least two of the shapes illustrated in, and may have various shapes with thickness differences between the first glass portions,-,-,-and the second glass portions,-,-,-.

20 20 20 FIGS.A,B, andC are plan views illustrating planar shapes of the first glass portion of a glass member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

20 20 20 FIGS.A,B, andC 20 20 FIGS.A toC 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 20 20 FIGS.A toC 10 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 2030 2030 1 2030 2 2000 2000 1 2000 2 2030 2030 1 2030 2 800 1000 2030 2030 1 2030 2 1000 800 1000 b are views illustrating various planar shapes of the plurality of recesses,-,-of the glass members,-,-. The plurality of recesses,-,-illustrated inmay be included in the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). Various shapes of the plurality of recesses,-,-illustrated inmay be applied to the edge portion of the flexible region (e.g., the flexible regionof) of the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of the plurality of recesses and the first glass portion is omitted.

20 20 FIGS.A toC 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B, 20 20 20 FIGS.A,B,C 21 21 21 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 FIGS.A,B,C,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A,B,, 19 19 19 19 31 32 33 33 33 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,A,B,C, andD. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,,,A,B, andC.

20 20 20 FIGS.A,B, andC 2000 2000 1 2000 2 2030 2030 1 2030 2 2000 2000 1 2000 2 2010 2010 1 2010 2 2020 2020 1 2020 2 2010 2010 1 2010 2 2030 2030 1 2030 2 Referring to, the glass members,-,-may include a plurality of recesses,-,-. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass members,-,-may include first glass portions,-,-and second glass portions,-,-. One first glass portion,-,-may be disposed between two adjacent recesses,-,-.

20 FIG.A 2000 2011 2010 2011 2011 2010 2011 2010 Referring to, the glass membermay include a chamfered portion. The first glass portionmay include the chamfered portion. The chamfered portionmay be formed at the outer corner of the first glass portion. The chamfered portionmay be formed by horizontally cutting the outer corner portion of the first glass portion.

2030 2030 2000 2011 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a portion of the plurality of recessesmay extend with the same width. The plurality of recessesmay extend in width at a portion adjacent to the edge or side surface of the glass memberdue to the chamfered portion.

20 FIG.B 2030 1 2000 1 2030 1 2000 1 Referring to, each of the plurality of recesses-of the glass member-may be formed with variable width. Each of the plurality of recesses-may be formed such that the width decreases as it moves away from the edge of the adjacent glass member-.

20 FIG.C 2030 2 2000 2 2030 2 2000 2 Referring to, each of the plurality of recesses-of the glass member-may be formed with variable width. Each of the plurality of recesses-may be formed such that the width increases as it moves away from the edge of the adjacent glass member-.

2030 2030 1 2030 2 2000 2000 1 2000 2 20 20 FIGS.A toC The shape of the plurality of recesses,-,-is not limited to thereto. For example, the plurality of recesses may be formed by combining at least two of the shapes illustrated in, and may have various shapes recessed inward in the planar direction from the edge portion of the glass members,-,-.

21 21 21 FIGS.A,B, andC are perspective views illustrating the first glass portion of a glass member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

21 21 21 FIGS.A,B, andC 21 21 FIGS.A toC 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 21 21 FIGS.A toC 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 21 21 FIGS.A toC 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 2110 2110 1 2110 2 2100 2100 1 2100 2 2100 2100 1 2100 2 800 1000 800 1000 2110 2110 1 2110 2 810 1010 are views illustrating various shapes of the first glass portions,-,-of the glass members,-,-. A portion of the glass members,-,-illustrated inmay be included in the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). Various shapes illustrated inmay be applied to the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). The first glass portions,-,-having various shapes illustrated inmay replace the first glass portion of(e.g., the first glass portionof) or the first glass portion of(e.g., the first glass portionof). Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of the first glass portion is omitted.

21 21 21 FIGS.A,B, andC 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B, 21 21 FIGS.A toC 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 FIGS.,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,,,A,B,,,,,A 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 33 33 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,A,B,C,D,A,B, andC. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,B, andC.

21 21 FIGS.A toC 2100 2100 1 2100 2 2110 2110 1 2110 2 2110 2110 1 2110 2 2111 2111 1 2111 2 2112 2112 1 2112 2 Referring to, the glass members,-,-may include first glass portions,-,-. The first glass portions,-,-may include first side surfaces,-,-and second side surfaces,-,-.

2111 2111 1 2111 2 2110 2110 1 2110 2 2111 2111 1 2111 2 2100 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first side surfaces,-,-may be side surfaces facing outward from the first glass portions,-,-. The first side surfaces,-,-may be a portion of the edge portion of the glass member.

2112 2112 1 2112 2 2111 2111 1 2111 2 2112 2112 1 2112 2 2112 2112 1 2112 2 2111 2111 1 2111 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second side surfaces,-,-may be side surfaces extending substantially perpendicular from the first side surfaces,-,-. The second side surfaces,-,-may be surfaces facing adjacent recesses. The second side surfaces,-,-may include two side surfaces extending from two opposite ends of the first side surfaces,-,-and parallel to each other.

21 FIG.A 2110 2100 2111 2111 2112 Referring to, in the first glass portionof the glass member, the first side surfacemay have an oval or elliptical shape. The first side surfacemay have a curved edge portion. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second side surfacemay be composed of a curved surface.

21 FIG.B 2110 1 2100 1 2113 1 2114 1 2113 1 Referring to, the first glass portion-of the glass member-may include an upper surface-and a lower surface-facing opposite to the upper surface-.

2113 1 2114 1 2110 1 2112 1 2112 1 2113 1 2114 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the upper surface-and lower surface-of the first glass portion-may be formed such that portions protrude outside of the second side surface-. The second side surface-may be positioned to be recessed inward between the upper surface-and the lower surface-.

2111 1 2110 1 2110 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first side surface-may have an about I-shaped plane. By configuring the cross section of the first glass portion-in an about I-shape, the rigidity of the first glass portion-may be strengthened.

21 FIG.C 2110 2 2100 2 2111 2 2111 2 Referring to, in the first glass portion-of the glass member-, the first side surface-may be formed with the edge portion chamfered. The first side surface-may have the edge portion cut to form an inclined surface.

2110 2110 1 2110 2 21 21 FIGS.A toC The shape of the first glass portions,-,-is not limited to thereto. For example, the first glass portion may be formed by combining at least two of the shapes illustrated in.

22 FIG. is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

2200 800 1000 2230 800 1000 22 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 22 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. A portion of the glass memberillustrated inmay be included in the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). The plurality of recessesillustrated inmay be applied to the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) or the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof). Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of the first glass portion and the second glass portion is omitted.

22 FIG. 2200 2210 2220 2230 2230 2210 Referring to, the glass membermay include at least one of a first glass portion, a second glass portion, or a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recessesmay be formed in the first glass portion.

2230 2230 2210 400 430 8 FIG. 10 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be configured not to penetrate vertically, unlike illustrated inor. By forming the plurality of recessesnot to penetrate vertically, even in case that force is applied to a portion corresponding to the first glass portionin the flexible display (e.g., the flexible displayof), the display panel (e.g., the display panelof) may be prevented or decreased from being directly exposed to the pressing force.

2230 2231 2231 430 410 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay include a lower surface. The lower surfacemay prevent or reduce the display panel (e.g., the display panelof) from being directly exposed from the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof).

2231 2200 2231 2200 2200 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the lower surfacemay be formed to be inclined upward toward the planar inside of the glass member. However, without limitation thereto, the lower surfacemay be parallel to the upper surface of the glass member, or may be formed to be inclined downward toward the planar inside of the glass member.

23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D are views illustrating a process of applying an adhesive member to a glass member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 1000 600 800 show the adhesive member application process based on the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) for convenience of description. However, without limitation thereto, the application process and structure of the adhesive member illustrated inmay also be applied to the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) and the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof).

600 800 1000 1900 2000 2100 2200 1000 1040 1000 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D In the case of the glass members,,,,,,according to various embodiments of the disclosure, foreign objects penetration or slippage may occur in case that laminating adhesive members using existing methods. For example, in case of laminating adhesive members on the upper and lower surfaces of the glass memberusing existing methods, empty spaces where the adhesive member is not applied may be formed due to the space created by the plurality of recesses, and foreign objects may penetrate into these empty spaces. For example, in case of laminating adhesive members on the upper and lower surfaces of the glass memberusing existing methods, slippage may occur in sections where the thickness varies. In the disclosure, methods and structures for addressing the foreign objects penetration or slippage phenomenon are illustrated in.

23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D 10 FIG. 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D 1000 Althoughare described using the glass memberofas an example for convenience of description, it is not limited thereto. The application process and structure of the adhesive member illustrated inmay also be applied to various shapes where the thickness on the edge side of the glass member varies or recesses or holes are formed on the edge side.

23 FIG.A 23 FIG.B 23 FIG.A 23 FIG.C 23 FIG.D 1000 1000 is a plan view illustrating the glass memberviewed from the front,is a plan view illustrating the glass memberofviewed from the rear,is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D, andis a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E.

23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B, 23 24 FIGS.A andD 25 25 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 FIGS.A,B,C,,,A,B,,,,,A,B, andC 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C, and. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of.

23 23 23 23 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 2310 1000 2310 1020 1000 Referring to, a first adhesive membermay be applied or adhered to a portion of the upper surface of the glass member. The first adhesive membermay be positioned on the second glass portionof the glass member.

2310 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first adhesive membermay include at least one of an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, general adhesive, or double-sided tape.

24 FIG.A is a plan view illustrating a glass member viewed from the front according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

24 FIG.B 24 FIG.A is a plan view illustrating a glass member ofviewed from the rear according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

24 FIG.C is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

24 FIG.D is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

24 24 24 24 FIGS.A,B,C, andD 2320 1000 1000 2320 2320 Referring to, a second adhesive membermay be applied or adhered to the lower surface of the glass memberand the remaining portion of the upper surface of the glass member. Here, the second adhesive membermay be applied in liquid form. Here, the liquid form second adhesive membermay be OCR, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2320 1000 2320 2310 2310 1010 1030 1000 1040 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in case that the liquid form second adhesive memberis applied to the lower surface of the glass member, the liquid form second adhesive membermay penetrate into portions not covered by the first adhesive member. Here, the portions not covered by the first adhesive membermay include portions corresponding to the first glass portionand the third glass portionof the upper surface of the glass memberand empty spaces formed by the plurality of recesses.

2320 2320 1000 2320 1010 1030 1000 2320 1040 1000 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in case that the liquid form second adhesive memberis applied, the second adhesive membermay be applied entirely to the lower surface of the glass member. The second adhesive membermay be applied to the first glass portionand the third glass portionof the upper surface of the glass member. The second adhesive membermay be applied within the plurality of recessesof the glass member.

2320 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second adhesive membermay include at least one of an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, general adhesive, or double-sided tape.

1000 2310 2320 1000 400 410 2320 2310 1000 430 2320 1000 24 FIG.A 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass memberillustrated inand the first adhesive memberand second adhesive memberlaminated to the glass membermay be included in the flexible display of(e.g., the flexible displayof). For example, a protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) may be attached to a portion of the second adhesive memberand the first adhesive memberon the upper side of the glass member. For example, a display panel (e.g., the display panelof) may be attached to the second adhesive memberon the lower side of the glass member.

2320 2310 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the adhesive force of the second adhesive membermay be relatively larger than the adhesive force of the first adhesive member. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2320 2310 1030 1010 1020 2320 1010 1030 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the elastic modulus (e.g., modulus) of the second adhesive membermay be greater than the elastic modulus of the first adhesive member. The third glass portionpositioned between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be a vulnerable portion prone to breakage as stress may concentrate during bending. Therefore, rigidity may be supplemented by applying the second adhesive memberwith a large modulus value around the first glass portionand the third glass portion.

25 25 25 FIGS.A,B, andC are views illustrating applying an adhesive member to a glass member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

25 25 25 FIGS.A,B, andC 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 25 25 25 FIGS.A,B, andC 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 1000 600 800 show the adhesive member application process based on the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) for convenience of description. However, without limitation thereto, the application process and structure of the adhesive member illustrated inmay also be applied to the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) and the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof).

25 25 25 FIGS.A,B, andC 10 FIG. 25 25 25 FIGS.A,B, andC 1000 Althoughare described using the glass memberofas an example for convenience of description, it is not limited thereto. The structure of the adhesive member illustrated inmay also be applied to various shapes where the thickness on the edge side of the glass member varies or recesses or holes are formed on the edge side.

25 FIG.A 25 FIG.B 25 FIG.A 25 FIG.C 1000 1000 is a plan view illustrating the glass memberviewed from the front,is a plan view illustrating the glass memberofviewed from the rear, andis a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F.

25 25 25 FIGS.A,B, andC 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B, 25 25 FIGS.A andC 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 FIGS.,,A,B,,,,,A,B, andC 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C, andD. The embodiments ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of.

25 25 25 FIGS.A,B, andC 2510 2520 2530 1000 Referring to, a first adhesive member, a second adhesive member, and a third adhesive membermay be applied or adhered around the glass member.

2510 1000 1000 410 2510 1020 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first adhesive membermay be applied to a portion of the upper surface of the glass member. The upper surface of the glass membermay be the surface to which a protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) is adhered. For example, the first adhesive membermay be adhered to the upper surface of the second glass portion.

2520 1000 1000 430 2520 1020 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second adhesive membermay be applied to a portion of the lower surface of the glass member. The lower surface of the glass membermay be the surface to which a display panel (e.g., the display panelof) is adhered. For example, the second adhesive membermay be adhered to the lower surface of the second glass portion.

2530 1010 1030 1000 2530 2530 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a third adhesive membermay be applied or adhered to the first glass portionand the third glass portionof the glass member. Here, the third adhesive membermay be applied in liquid form. Here, the liquid form third adhesive membermay be OCR, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2520 1010 1030 1000 2530 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in case that the liquid form second adhesive memberis applied around the first glass portionand the third glass portionof the glass member, the liquid form third adhesive membermay penetrate into portions where steps are formed due to thickness differences and portions where grooves are formed by the plurality of recesses.

2510 2520 2530 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first adhesive member, the second adhesive member, or the third adhesive membermay include at least one of an optically clear adhesive film (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), pressure sensitive adhesive film (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, general adhesive, or double-sided tape.

1000 2510 2520 2530 1000 400 410 2530 2510 1000 430 2530 2520 1000 17 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass memberillustrated inand the first adhesive member, second adhesive member, and third adhesive memberlaminated to the glass membermay be included in the flexible display of(e.g., the flexible displayof). For example, a protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) may be attached to a portion of the third adhesive memberand the first adhesive memberon the upper side of the glass member. For example, a display panel (e.g., the display panelof) may be attached to a portion of the third adhesive memberand the second adhesive memberon the lower side of the glass member.

2520 2510 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the adhesive force of the second adhesive membermay be relatively larger than the adhesive force of the first adhesive member. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2530 2510 2520 1030 1010 1020 2530 1010 1030 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the elastic modulus (e.g., modulus) of the third adhesive membermay be greater than the elastic modulus of the first adhesive memberor the second adhesive member. The third glass portionpositioned between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be a vulnerable portion prone to breakage as stress may concentrate during bending. Therefore, rigidity may be supplemented by applying the third adhesive memberwith a large modulus value around the first glass portionand the third glass portion.

26 FIG. is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flexible display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

26 FIG. 10 FIG. 10 FIG. 26 FIG. 6 FIG. 6 FIG. 8 FIG. 8 FIG. 1000 600 800 illustrates the adhesive member application process based on the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) for convenience of description. However, without limitation thereto, the application process and structure of the adhesive member illustrated inmay also be applied to the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof) and the glass member of(e.g., the glass memberof).

600 1000 1900 1000 610 1010 1910 620 1020 1920 1000 26 FIG. In the case of the glass members,,according to various embodiments of the disclosure, steps may occur in case of laminating adhesive members using existing methods. For example, in case of laminating adhesive members on the upper and lower surfaces of the glass memberusing existing methods, steps may occur in the adhesive member due to the thickness difference between the first glass portions,,and the second glass portions,,. Due to steps in the adhesive member, spaces may be created by the steps in case that the glass memberis attached to surrounding components. Alternatively, visibility may deteriorate due to steps in the adhesive member. In the disclosure, methods and structures for addressing the steps or visibility are illustrated in.

26 FIG. 10 FIG. 26 FIG. 1000 Althoughis described using the glass memberofas an example for convenience of description, it is not limited thereto. The structure illustrated inmay also be applied to various shapes where the thickness on the edge side of the glass member varies. Hereinafter, redundant content is omitted.

26 FIG. 1010 1030 In, the sizes of the first glass portionand the third glass portionare illustrated somewhat exaggerated for convenience of description.

26 FIG. 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B, 26 FIG. 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,A,B, andC 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 The embodiment ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B, andC. The embodiment ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of.

26 FIG. 2600 2610 1000 2630 Referring to, the flexible displaymay include a protective member, a glass member, or a display panel.

2610 2610 2610 1000 2611 2610 2611 2610 1000 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the protective membermay have a step structure. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the protective membermay have a portion protrudingly formed downward. For example, the protective membermay have a portion protrudingly formed toward the glass member. A stepped portionmay be formed on the lower side of the protective memberby the protruding surface. The stepped portionformed in the protective membermay compensate for the step of the glass member.

2610 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refractive index of the protective membermay be substantially the same as the refractive index of the first adhesive member P.

27 FIG. is a cross-sectional view illustrating a flexible display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

27 FIG. 4 FIG. Referring to, for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to configurations illustrated in, the same reference numbers are used. Hereinafter, descriptions of redundant configurations is omitted.

27 FIG. 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 FIGS.,A,B,,,,,,,,,,,A,B,,,,A,B, 27 FIG. 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 33 FIGS.A,,,,,A,B, andC 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 23 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 26 The embodiment ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiment of,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C,,A,B,C,D,A,B,C,D,A,B,C, and. The embodiment ofmay be selectively combined with the embodiments of.

27 FIG. 2700 2720 2720 410 430 2720 410 1 2720 430 2 Referring to, a flexible displaymay include a glass member. The glass membermay be disposed between the protective memberand the display panel. The glass membermay be adhered to the protective memberby the first adhesive member P. The glass membermay be adhered to the display panelby the second adhesive member P.

2720 2721 2722 2723 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first glass portion, a second glass portion, and a third glass portion.

2721 2720 2721 2720 2721 2720 400 400 2721 400 2720 b b b 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay include a portion adjacent from the edge of the glass member. The first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass memberincluded in the flexible region (e.g., the flexible regionof) in the flexible region. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from the edge portion corresponding to the flexible regionamong the edges of the glass member. Here, the predetermined interval may be 1 mm or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2722 2721 2722 2720 2721 The second glass portionmay be a portion different from the first glass portion. The second glass portionmay include at least a portion of the glass memberother than the first glass portion.

2721 2722 2721 2720 2721 2722 2721 2722 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be formed relatively thicker than the thickness of the second glass portion. For example, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be thicker than the average thickness of the glass member. The rigidity of the first glass portionmay be relatively stronger than the rigidity of the second glass portion. The thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be formed by an etching process using chemicals, but the manufacturing method is not limited thereto.

2721 2721 2720 2720 2720 2720 2720 2720 2720 410 a b a According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay be formed to protrude to one side. The first glass portionmay be formed to protrude downward. Accordingly, the upper surfaceof the glass membermay be flat, and the lower surfaceof the glass membermay have a portion protruding downward. By forming the upper surfaceof the glass memberflat, the adhesion between the glass memberand the protective membermay be enhanced.

2723 2721 2722 2723 2721 2722 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third glass portionmay be provided between the first glass portionand the second glass portion. The third glass portionmay be a portion connecting the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

2723 2722 2721 2720 2720 2723 2721 2722 2723 2721 2722 b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined from the second glass portiontoward the first glass portionon the lower surfaceof the glass member. The third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined downward from the first glass portiontoward the second glass portion. However, without limitation thereto, unlike what is illustrated, the third glass portionmay form a step according to the thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

28 28 FIGS.A andB are plan views illustrating a slidable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

28 28 FIGS.A andB 2800 2810 2820 2830 2800 2830 2820 2810 Referring to, a slidable electronic devicemay include a first housing, a second housing, and a flexible display. The slidable electronic devicemay refer to any device that varies the display area of the flexible displayvisible externally by one housing (e.g., the second housing) sliding relative to another housing (e.g., the first housing).

2810 2820 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an accommodation space may be provided within the first housingand/or the second housing. A number of electronic components necessary for operation may be received in the accommodation space.

2820 2810 2820 2810 2810 2820 2810 2830 2820 2810 2830 2830 2800 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second housingmay be received within the first housing. The second housingmay be coupled to the first housingto slide relative to the first housing. In case that the second housingslides away from the first housing, the display area of the flexible displaymay be extended. In case that the second housingslides closer to the first housing, the display area of the flexible displaymay be decreased. Here, the display area may refer to the area of the flexible displaythat is visually visible from outside the slidable electronic device.

2830 2810 2820 2820 2810 2830 2810 2820 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a portion of the flexible displaymay be received within the first housingor the second housing. In case that the second housingslides outward relative to the first housing, a portion of the flexible displayreceived within the first housingor the second housingmay be drawn outward.

2830 2830 2830 2830 2830 2820 2830 2810 2820 2830 2820 a b a a b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay include a non-flexible regionand a flexible region. The non-flexible regionmay be a planar region. The non-flexible regionmay be a region that is always visually exposed regardless of the movement of the second housing. The flexible regionmay be a region that may be received within the first housingor the second housing. The flexible regionmay have a visually exposed area that varies according to the movement of the second housing.

2830 400 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the configuration of the flexible displaymay be substantially the same or similar to the configuration of the flexible display of(e.g., the flexible displayof).

29 FIG. is a view illustrating a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

2900 2830 29 FIG. 28 28 FIGS.A andB 28 FIG.A A glass memberillustrated inmay be a component of the flexible display of(e.g., the flexible displayof).

29 FIG. 28 FIG.B 28 FIG.B 28 FIG.B 2900 2900 2900 2900 2900 2900 2830 2900 2900 2830 a b a a b b Referring to, the glass membermay be configured such that at least a portion thereof is deformable. For example, the glass membermay include a non-flexible regionand a flexible region. Here, the non-flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the non-flexible region of(e.g., the non-flexible regionof). Here, the flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the flexible regionof.

2900 2901 2902 2901 2903 2902 2901 2904 2903 2902 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first side surface, a second side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the first side surface, a third side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the second side surfaceand parallel to the first side surface, and a fourth side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the third side surfaceand parallel to the second side surface.

2900 2910 2920 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first glass portionand a second glass portion.

2910 2900 2910 2900 2910 2900 2900 2900 2910 2900 2900 2910 2902 2904 2900 b b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay include a portion adjacent from the edge of the glass member. The first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass memberincluded in the flexible regionin the flexible region. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from the edge portion corresponding to the flexible regionamong the edges of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from a portion of the side surface (e.g., the second side surfaceor the fourth side surface) of the glass member. Here, the predetermined interval may be 1 mm or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2910 2910 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a vertically symmetrical structure. However, it is not limited thereto and may have a shape protruding further to at least one of the upper or lower sides. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a shape protruding to at least one of the upper or lower sides. For example, one of the upper or lower sides may have a non-protruding shape.

2920 2910 2920 2900 2910 The second glass portionmay be a portion different from the first glass portion. The second glass portionmay include at least a portion of the glass memberother than the first glass portion.

2910 2920 2910 2900 2910 2920 2910 2920 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be formed relatively thicker than the thickness of the second glass portion. For example, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be thicker than the average thickness of the glass member. The rigidity of the first glass portionmay be relatively stronger than the rigidity of the second glass portion. The thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be formed by an etching process using chemicals, but the manufacturing method is not limited thereto.

2910 510 410 2910 2920 1 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay be positioned where it overlaps at least a portion of the area where the protective cap (e.g., the protective capof) and the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) illustrated incontact. By forming the first glass portionrelatively thicker than the second glass portion, even in case that foreign objects gets stuck in the first position of(e.g., the first position Dof), breakage caused by foreign objects may be efficiently prevented or decreased.

2900 2940 2940 1 2940 2 2940 2900 2940 2900 2900 2940 2900 2900 2940 2900 2940 b b According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a plurality of recesses(i.e., a first recess-, a second recess-, and the like). The plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface of the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed inwardly from the outside (or from the edge) of the glass memberon at least one side surface of the glass member. The plurality of recessesmay be formed near the edge corresponding to the flexible regionof the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface corresponding to the flexible region. The plurality of recessesmay be formed by a physical processing method, laser processing method, or chemical etching method, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2940 2910 2910 2940 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be formed around the first glass portion. For example, the first glass portionmay have a comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2940 2940 2900 2900 2902 2940 2940 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the glass member. Here, the length direction of the glass membermay refer to the length direction of the second side surface. Here, the predetermined interval may be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the depth of the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the width of the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

2940 2940 2910 2830 2910 2910 28 FIG.A Since each of the plurality of recessesis formed with a small size within 1 millimeter, direct impact to the display panel by the plurality of recessesmay be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that force is applied to the first glass portionside in the flexible display (e.g., the flexible displayof), force is not directly applied to the display panel positioned below the first glass portion, and the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape may protect the display panel.

2940 2900 b. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the spacing between the plurality of recessesmay vary even within the flexible region

2910 2900 2940 2900 2 2910 2900 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the first glass portionof the glass memberhas an about comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, breakage of the glass memberdue to foreign objects intrusion may be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that foreign objects enter the second position of(e.g., the second position Dof), by reducing the side surface area of the first glass portion, the probability of foreign objects contacting the side surface of the glass membermay be decreased.

2910 2900 2910 2900 2900 2900 2910 2910 2910 2940 2940 b Even in case that foreign objects contact the first glass portionof the glass memberand cracks occur on the side surface of the first glass portion, the structural features of the about comb shape may prevent or reduce the expansion of cracks to the entire area of the glass member. Even in case that the flexible regionof the glass memberis bent, stress applied to the first glass portionmay be relatively decreased by the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape. In other words, since the stress applied during bending to the first glass portionformed with the plurality of recessesis relatively smaller compared to glass without the plurality of recessesformed, crack expansion may be prevented or decreased.

2900 2930 2930 2910 2920 2930 2910 2920 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a third glass portion. The third glass portionmay be positioned between the first glass portionand the second glass portion. The third glass portionmay be a portion connecting the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

2930 2920 2910 2930 2910 2920 2930 2910 2920 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined from the second glass portiontoward the first glass portion. The third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined downward from the first glass portiontoward the second glass portion. However, without limitation thereto, unlike what is illustrated, the third glass portionmay form a step according to the thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

2900 1910 2010 2110 2210 2030 2230 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C, and According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include various shapes of the first glass portion,,,or a plurality of recesses,as described with reference to.

30 FIG. is a perspective view illustrating a foldable electronic device capable of folding multiple times according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

30 FIG. 3000 3010 3020 3030 3040 3000 3040 Referring to, a foldable electronic devicecapable of folding multiple times may include a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, and a flexible display. The foldable electronic devicecapable of folding multiple times may refer to any device that folds a portion of the flexible displayby rotating one housing relative to another adjacent housing.

3010 3020 3030 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an accommodation space may be provided within the first housing, the second housing, and/or the third housing. A number of electronic components necessary for operation may be received in the accommodation space.

3010 3020 3020 3030 3020 3010 3030 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first housingmay be rotatably coupled to the second housing. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second housingmay be rotatably coupled to the third housing. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second housingmay be disposed between the first housingand the third housing.

3040 3010 3020 3030 3040 3010 3020 3030 3040 3020 3010 3030 3020 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay be received in the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing. For example, the flexible displaymay be disposed across the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing. The flexible displaymay be bent according to the relative movement of the second housingwith respect to the first housingand the relative movement of the third housingwith respect to the second housing.

3040 1 2 1 3040 3020 3010 2 3040 3030 3020 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible displaymay include a first folding axis Fand a second folding axis F. The first folding axis Fmay refer to a folding axis of the flexible displaythat is bent by the relative rotation of the second housingwith respect to the first housing. The second folding axis Fmay refer to a folding axis of the flexible displaythat is bent by the relative rotation of the third housingwith respect to the second housing.

3040 1 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in the flexible display, a portion formed to be bent by the first folding axis For the second folding axis Fmay be referred to as a flexible region.

3040 400 4 FIG. 4 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the configuration of the flexible displaymay be substantially the same or similar to the configuration of the flexible display of(e.g., the flexible displayof).

31 FIG. is a view illustrating a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

30 FIG. 30 FIG. 30 FIG. 3100 3040 Referring to, a glass membermay be a component of the flexible display of(e.g., the flexible displayof).

31 FIG. 30 FIG. 30 FIG. 30 FIG. 30 FIG. 3100 3100 1 2 1 3100 1 2 3100 2 Referring to, the glass membermay be configured such that at least a portion thereof is deformable. For example, the glass membermay include a first folding axis Fand a second folding axis F. Here, the first folding axis Fof the glass membermay correspond to the first folding axis of(e.g., the first folding axis Fof). Here, the second folding axis Fof the glass membermay correspond to the second folding axis of(e.g., the second folding axis Fof).

3100 3101 3102 3101 3103 3102 3101 3104 3103 3102 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first side surface, a second side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the first side surface, a third side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the second side surfaceand parallel to the first side surface, and a fourth side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the third side surfaceand parallel to the second side surface.

3100 3110 3120 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first glass portionand a second glass portion.

3110 3100 3110 3100 3110 1 2 3110 3100 3110 3102 3104 3100 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay include a portion adjacent from the edge of the glass member. The first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge around the first folding axis For the second folding axis F. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined distance from the edge of the bendable region among the edges of the glass member. For example, the first glass portionmay include an area within a predetermined interval from a portion of the side surface (e.g., the second side surfaceor the fourth side surface) of the glass member. Here, the predetermined interval may be 1 mm or less, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

3110 3110 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a vertically symmetrical structure. However, it is not limited thereto and may have a shape protruding further to at least one of the upper or lower sides. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay have a shape protruding to at least one of the upper or lower sides. For example, one of the upper or lower sides may have a non-protruding shape.

3120 3110 3120 3100 3110 The second glass portionmay be a portion different from the first glass portion. The second glass portionmay include at least a portion of the glass memberother than the first glass portion.

3110 3120 3110 3100 3110 3120 3110 3120 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be formed relatively thicker than the thickness of the second glass portion. For example, the thickness of the first glass portionmay be thicker than the average thickness of the glass member. The rigidity of the first glass portionmay be relatively stronger than the rigidity of the second glass portion. The thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portionmay be formed by an etching process using chemicals, but the manufacturing method is not limited thereto.

3110 510 410 3110 3120 1 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay be positioned where it overlaps at least a portion of the area where the protective cap (e.g., the protective capof) and the protective member (e.g., the protective memberof) illustrated incontact. By forming the first glass portionrelatively thicker than the second glass portion, even in case that foreign objects gets stuck in the first position of(e.g., the first position Dof), breakage caused by foreign objects may be efficiently prevented or decreased.

3110 3111 3112 3111 1 3112 2 th th th th According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first glass portionmay include a 1-1glass portionand a 1-2glass portion. The 1-1glass portionmay be disposed around the first folding axis F. The 1-2glass portionmay be disposed around the second folding axis F.

3120 3121 3122 3121 1 3122 2 th th th th According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second glass portionmay include a 2-1glass portionand a 2-2glass portion. The 2-1glass portionmay be disposed around the first folding axis F. The 2-2glass portionmay be disposed around the second folding axis F.

3100 3140 3140 3100 3140 3100 3100 3140 1 2 3100 3140 1 2 3140 3110 3140 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a plurality of recesses. The plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface of the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed inwardly from the outside (or from the edge) of the glass memberon at least one side surface of the glass member. The plurality of recessesmay be formed near the edge corresponding to the first folding axis For the second folding axis Fof the glass member. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be formed to be recessed inward from the edge or side surface around the first folding axis For the second folding axis F. The plurality of recessesmay be disposed adjacent to the first glass portion. The plurality of recessesmay be formed by a physical processing method, laser processing method, or chemical etching method, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

3140 3110 3110 3140 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be formed around the first glass portion. For example, the first glass portionmay have a comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

3140 3140 3100 3100 3102 3140 3140 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals. For example, the plurality of recessesmay be disposed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals along the length direction of the glass member. Here, the length direction of the glass membermay refer to the length direction of the second side surface. Here, the predetermined interval may be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the depth of the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the width of the plurality of recessesmay be within 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

3140 3140 3110 1200 3110 3110 12 FIG. Since each of the plurality of recessesis formed with a small size within 1 millimeter, direct impact to the display panel by the plurality of recessesmay be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that force is applied to the first glass portionside in the flexible display (e.g., the flexible displayof), force is not directly applied to the display panel positioned below the first glass portion, and the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape may protect the display panel.

3140 3141 3142 3141 1 3142 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recessesmay include a first plurality of recessesand a second plurality of recesses. The first plurality of recessesmay be disposed around the first folding axis F. The second plurality of recessesmay be disposed around the second folding axis F.

3141 3142 3141 3142 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the spacing of the first plurality of recessesand the spacing of the second plurality of recessesmay be different. For example, the spacing of the first plurality of recessesmay be narrower than the spacing of the second plurality of recesses. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

3141 3142 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the shape of the first plurality of recessesmay be different from the shape of the second plurality of recesses.

3110 3100 3140 3100 2 3110 3100 5 FIG. 5 FIG. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as the first glass portionof the glass memberhas an about comb-like shape due to the plurality of recesses, breakage of the glass memberdue to foreign objects intrusion may be prevented or decreased. For example, even in case that foreign objects enter the second position of(e.g., the second position Dof), by reducing the side surface area of the first glass portion, the probability of foreign objects contacting the side surface of the glass membermay be decreased.

3110 3100 3110 3100 1 2 3100 3110 3110 3110 3140 3140 Even in case that foreign objects contact the first glass portionof the glass memberand cracks occur on the side surface of the first glass portion, the structural features of the about comb shape may prevent or reduce the expansion of cracks to the entire area of the glass member. Even in case that the first folding axis For the second folding axis Fof the glass memberis bent, stress applied to the first glass portionmay be relatively decreased by the first glass portionhaving an about comb shape. In other words, since the stress applied during bending to the first glass portionformed with the plurality of recessesis relatively smaller compared to glass without the plurality of recessesformed, crack expansion may be prevented or decreased.

3100 3130 3130 3110 3120 3130 3110 3120 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a third glass portion. The third glass portionmay be positioned between the first glass portionand the second glass portion. The third glass portionmay be a portion connecting the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

3130 3120 3110 3130 3110 3120 3130 3110 3120 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined from the second glass portiontoward the first glass portion. The third glass portionmay be formed to be inclined downward from the first glass portiontoward the second glass portion. However, without limitation thereto, unlike what is illustrated, the third glass portionmay form a step according to the thickness difference between the first glass portionand the second glass portion.

3130 3131 3132 3131 1 3132 2 th th th th According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the third glass portionmay include a 3-1glass portionand a 3-2glass portion. The 3-1glass portionmay be disposed around the first folding axis F. The 3-2glass portionmay be disposed around the second folding axis F.

3100 1910 2010 2110 2210 2030 2230 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 20 21 22 FIGS.A,B,C,D,A,B,C,A,B,C, and According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include various shapes of the first glass portion,,,or a plurality of recesses,as described with reference to.

32 FIG. 33 33 33 FIGS.A,B, andC 32 FIG. is a view illustrating a glass member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.are cross-sectional views taken along line M-M in.

3200 3200 1 3200 2 3200 32 33 33 33 FIGS.,A,B, andC b Glass members,-,-illustrated inare for describing various structures for improving the bending performance of the flexible region (e.g.,) as examples, and may be applied to the flexible region of all the above-described glass members.

3200 400 3200 420 3200 420 400 32 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 32 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 32 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. The glass memberillustrated inmay be included in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof). The glass memberillustrated inmay be substantially the same or similar configuration as the glass member illustrated in(e.g., the glass memberof). Alternatively, the glass memberillustrated inmay replace the glass member (e.g., the glass memberof) in the flexible display illustrated in(e.g., the flexible displayof).

32 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 4 FIG. 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 400 3200 3200 400 a b a a b b Referring to, the glass membermay include a non-flexible regionand a flexible region. Here, the non-flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the non-flexible region of(e.g., the non-flexible regionof). Here, the flexible regionof the glass membermay correspond to the flexible region of(e.g., the flexible regionof).

3200 3201 3202 3201 3203 3202 3201 3204 3203 3202 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass membermay include a first side surface, a second side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the first side surface, a third side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the second side surfaceand parallel to the first side surface, and a fourth side surfaceextending perpendicularly from the third side surfaceand parallel to the second side surface.

33 33 33 FIGS.A,B, andC 3200 3200 b illustrate various shapes formed in the flexible regionof the glass memberaccording to various embodiments of the disclosure.

33 FIG.A 3200 3210 3210 3200 3210 3200 3200 b b Referring to, the glass membermay include a hole or slit. The hole or slitmay be formed in the flexible region. By forming the hole or slitin the flexible region, the bending performance of the glass membermay be enhanced.

33 FIG.B 3200 1 3220 3220 3200 3220 3200 3200 1 3200 b b b Referring to, the glass member-may include a groove portion. The groove portionmay be formed in the flexible region. By forming the groove portionin the flexible region, the thickness of the glass member-in the flexible regionmay be decreased. As a result, repulsive force may be decreased and bending performance may be enhanced.

33 FIG.C 3200 2 3230 3240 3230 3240 3200 2 3230 3200 2 3240 3200 2 3230 3240 3230 3240 3200 2 3200 b Referring to, the glass member-may include a first groove portionand a second groove portion. The first groove portionand the second groove portionmay each be disposed in the flexible region of the glass member-. The first groove portionmay be formed, e.g., on the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the +Z1 direction) of the glass member-. The second groove portionmay be formed, e.g., on the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the-Z1 direction) of the glass member-. The first groove portionand the second groove portionmay be formed to overlap each other vertically. By forming the first groove portionand the second groove portion, the bending performance of the glass member-in the flexible regionmay be enhanced.

200 2800 3000 210 2810 3010 220 2820 3020 210 2810 3010 230 2830 3040 210 2810 3010 220 2820 3020 230 2830 3040 430 800 1000 2900 3100 430 800 1000 2900 3100 830 1040 2940 3140 800 1000 2900 3100 An electronic device,,according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a first housing,,, a second housing,,coupled to be movable or rotatable with respect to the first housing,,, and a flexible display,,received in the first housing,,and the second housing,,and configured such that at least a portion thereof is deformable. The flexible display,,may include a deformable display paneland a glass member,,,positioned on the deformable display paneland configured to be deformable. The glass member,,,may include a plurality of recesses,,,formed inwardly from an outside of the glass member,,,on at least one side surface.

800 1000 2900 3100 810 1010 2910 3110 830 1040 2940 3140 820 1020 2920 3120 800 1000 2900 3100 810 1010 2910 3110 820 1020 2920 3120 800 1000 2900 3100 810 1010 2910 3110 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass member,,,may include a first glass portion,,,positioned between the plurality of recesses,,,and having a first thickness, and a second glass portion,,,positioned in a planar inward direction of the glass member,,,relative to the first glass portion,,,and having a second thickness different from the first thickness. For example, the second glass portion,,,may be positioned farther from the edge of the glass member,,,than the first glass portion,,,.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first thickness may be relatively thicker than the second thickness.

1000 2900 3100 1030 2930 3130 1010 2910 3110 1020 2920 3120 1030 2930 3130 1010 2910 3110 1020 2920 3120 1030 2930 3130 1000 2900 3100 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass member,,may include a third glass portion,,extending between the first glass portion,,and the second glass portion,,. The third glass portion,,may be configured to progressively become thinner from the first glass portion,,toward the second glass portion,,. For example, the third glass portion,,may be formed to progressively become thinner as it moves away from the edge of the glass member,,.

230 2830 3040 1 810 1010 2910 3110 2 820 1020 2920 3120 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible display,,may further include a first adhesive member Padhered around the first glass portion,,,and a second adhesive member Padhered to one surface of the second glass portion,,,and having a different modulus value from the first adhesive member P.

1 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a modulus value of the first adhesive member Pmay be relatively larger than a modulus value of the second adhesive member P.

800 1000 2900 3100 810 1010 2910 3110 820 1020 2920 3120 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in case that the glass member,,,is in a bent state, tensile stress of the first glass portion,,,may be relatively smaller than tensile stress of the bent portion of the second glass portion,,,.

830 1040 2940 3140 800 1000 2900 3100 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recesses,,,may be formed such that a width thereof varies in an inward direction from one side surface of the glass member,,,.

830 1040 2940 3140 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recesses,,,may have substantially the same width.

830 1040 2940 3140 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recesses,,,may have a width Lof 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers.

830 1040 2940 3140 2 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recesses,,,may have a depth Lof 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers.

830 1040 2940 3140 3 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recesses,,,may be disposed to be spaced apart with a spacing Lof 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers.

830 1040 2940 3140 800 1000 2900 3100 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recesses,,,may be configured not to penetrate through the glass member,,,vertically.

440 830 1040 2940 3140 440 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible display may further include a printing layerdisposed along an edge of the flexible display. The plurality of recesses,,,may be disposed to overlap the printing layervertically.

430 800 1000 2900 3100 430 800 1000 2900 3100 830 1040 2940 3140 800 1000 2900 3100 A flexible display according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a deformable display paneland a glass member,,,positioned on the deformable display paneland configured to be deformable. The glass member,,,may include a plurality of recesses,,,formed inwardly from an outside (or from an edge) of the glass member,,,on at least one side surface.

800 1000 2900 3100 810 1010 2910 3110 830 1040 2940 3140 820 1020 2920 3120 800 1000 2900 3100 810 1010 2910 3110 820 1020 2920 3120 800 1000 2900 3100 810 1010 2910 3110 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass member,,,may include a first glass portion,,,positioned between the plurality of recesses,,,and having a first thickness, and a second glass portion,,,positioned in a planar inward direction of the glass member,,,relative to the first glass portion,,,and having a second thickness relatively thinner than the first thickness. For example, the second glass portion,,,may be positioned farther from the edge of the glass member,,,than the first glass portion,,,.

1000 2900 3100 1030 2930 3130 1010 2910 3110 1020 2920 3120 1030 2930 3130 1010 2910 3110 1020 2920 3120 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the glass member,,includes a third glass portion,,extending between the first glass portion,,and the second glass portion,,, and the third glass portion,,may be configured to progressively become thinner from the first glass portion,,toward the second glass portion,,.

1 810 1010 2910 3110 2 820 1020 2920 3120 1 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible display may further include a first adhesive member Padhered around the first glass portion,,,and a second adhesive member Padhered to one surface of the second glass portion,,,and having a modulus value relatively larger than the first adhesive member P.

830 1040 2940 3140 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of recesses,,,may have a width of 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers, have a depth of 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers, and be disposed to be spaced apart with a spacing of 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers.

230 2830 3040 440 230 2830 3040 830 1040 2940 3140 440 According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the flexible display,,further includes a printing layerdisposed along an edge of the flexible display,,, and the plurality of recesses,,,may be disposed to overlap the printing layervertically.

As used herein, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C,” may include all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, the term ‘and/or’ should be understood as encompassing any and all possible combinations by one or more of the enumerated items. As used herein, the terms “include,” “have,” and “comprise” are used merely to designate the presence of the feature, component, part, or a combination thereof described herein, but use of the term does not exclude the likelihood of presence or adding one or more other features, components, parts, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” may modify various components regardless of importance and/or order and are used to distinguish a component from another without limiting the components.

As used herein, the terms “configured to” may be interchangeably used with the terms “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of” depending on circumstances. The term “configured to” does not essentially mean “specifically designed in hardware to.” Rather, the term “configured to” may mean that a device can perform an operation together with another device or parts. For example, a ‘device configured (or set) to perform A, B, and C’ may be a dedicated device to perform the corresponding operation or may mean a general-purpose device capable of various operations including the corresponding operation.

Meanwhile, the terms “upper side”, “lower side”, and “front and rear directions” used in the disclosure are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method of any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.